be grateful you get to be here

As you prepare the hot dishes and make your last minute preparations, don't forget about those that won't get the opportunity. I felt guilty about no Christmas cards. For about 5 minutes! I prepped for good behavior, the perfect gifts and lots of tasty food. We cleaned and booked and prepared. We baked and did the advent calendars.

Then we started doing our charity work. How many dogs are in the shelters? How many hats and blankets can we crochet for the homeless? Are soldiers getting gifts and love? Cue the commercials of soldiers overseas sending their love home. Cue the tears.

So very grateful for our military relatives and all they have sacrificed. Hoping everyone gets to be with their loved ones this season. As I prepare to spend time with my own family this weekend, I send peace and love to everyone, but especially military families. My military roots are pulling at my heart strings a bit extra right now. Always proud and appreciative to have been a part of the biggest and greatest family ever.

The season, be aware. Be grateful. Be blessed. Be present! Happy holidays!

the spirit of giving back

In the spirit of giving back, we have started cranking out hats and blankets for Miss Carly's! Typically we crochet until our fingers fall off. And, do trust, we are! I just picked up a few fleece blankets to make a rag blanket as well. It was a fun little craft project while we watched a holiday movie.

The fleece rag blankets are easy to cut and knot. They make easy, warm blankets in fun designs. My only regret is that I didn't pick up more on black Friday! We could have made some for our favorite animal shelter as well. 

I may keep grabbing these as I see them to add to our donation collection. This time of year is all about family and togetherness. It is important in this house to stress gratitude for all we have and to encourage giving back as often as we can. Two $2 blankets knotted together while eating popcorn and watching a movie sounds like a huge win to me! Easy.